Best Methods to Convert PST to MBOX on Mac & Windows

Why You Should Convert PST Files to MBOX: Key Benefits Explained

There are a few advantages you can have by migrating your PST file to MBOX. Some of the most important advantages are discussed below:

1. PST file conversion to MBOX makes it possible for your emails to be easily accessed and maintained on multiple platforms.
2. PST files, particularly large files, tend to be susceptible to corruption. MBOX files are less susceptible to this, keeping your precious email data secure.
3. It offers an easier method of email organization compared to PST, keeping you with a better workflow.
4. Converting from PST to MBOX enables you to migrate your email data into other email clients with ease, making the process of transition easier.
5. MBOX files are simpler to backup, and they provide more flexibility for the storage and management of your emails offline.
6. It is generally less prone to file corruption and loss of data risks that sometimes strike PST files.

Manual Method to Convert PST to MBOX

Outlook PST files can be manually converted to MBOX by a few different processes. The following are the detailed steps for each of them.

Method 1: Export PST into MBOX Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source email client widely used and supported by the MBOX format. You can export your PST file to Thunderbird and then save it as an MBOX file.

Steps:

1. First, download and open the Outlook application on the system.
2. After that, sign in with your account credentials.
3. Here, verify all your PST data and mail.
4. Next, download and install the Mozilla Thunderbird application on your system.
5. After that, log in with your valid account credentials to authenticate.
6. Next, tap on the gear icon to open the settings option.
7. Now, navigate to the Add-ons and theme options.
8. Then, in the search bar, search for Import Export Tool NG. Next, follow the instructions to download the add-ons on your Thunderbird profile.
9. After that, click on three lines on the top right of your Thunderbird application.
10. After opening settings, click on the Tools option.
11. Under the Tool option, navigate to the Import option.
12. Go for the import from Outlook hover. Click Continue.
13. Here, choose what to import from your Outlook profile.
14. After choosing the desired data, click on the Start Import option.
15. Wait for a moment; Thunderbird fetches all your desired data.
16. Then, verify all your data in the Thunderbird profile.
17. After that, select the desired email data.
18. Next, click on the Export Message AS option.
19. Now, tap on the mbox file > new mbox file option.
20. Here, provide the location on your local system to save the file into MBOX format.
21. In the last, verify all the data as an output to reduce the chance of error.

Method 2: Export PST to MBOX Using an IMAP

The process here is to utilize an IMAP email account to synchronize your PST emails to the cloud and then access them through any email client that supports MBOX. You can synchronize emails to the server and then fetch them with Thunderbird or another MBOX-compatible client.

Steps:

1. First, download and launch the Mozilla Thunderbird application on your system.
2. After that, log in with your account username and password.
3. Next, tap on the three-line at the top right corner.
4. After that, click on New account and then click on the email option.
5. Set up your existing account by entering your name, username, and password.
6. Thunderbird automatically fetches your valid protocols.
7. Wait for a moment; Thunderbird fetches all your desired data.
8. Then, verify all your data in the Thunderbird profile.
9. After that, select the desired email data.
10. Next, click on the Export Message AS option.
11. Now, tap on the mbox file > new mbox file option.
12. Here, provide the location on your local system to save the file into MBOX format.
13. In the last, verify all the data as an output to reduce the chance of error.

Limitations of Manual Method

Although manual processes are effective, they have many limitations. Some of the major challenges and disadvantages are as follows:

• For non-technical users, steps can be time-consuming and might lead to errors.
• It has a risk of potential data loss, particularly when files are not adequately backed up.
• Managing large and oversized PST files during manual conversion can be difficult.
• This may lead to compatibility problems when importing the converted MBOX file.

For individuals with large data sets or those who require a more efficient and stable solution, professional conversion software might be a better option.

Automated Ways to Convert PST to MBOX Without Outlook

This PST Converter Tool is one of the most reliable tools for converting Outlook PST files to the MBOX file format. It also completes the conversion tasks without altering the content. Additionally, it can convert PST to PDF and supports direct migration to various email platforms. It provides a set of unique features to simplify and make the conversion precise. It’s easy-to-use interface works well for both tech and non-tech users, offering a fast conversion experience. Overall, it is better than other tools.

Simple Steps to Convert Outlook PST to MBOX

Following are the steps to lead you through how the tool works. Just follow them step by step:

1. First, download and install the PST Converter Tool on your system.
2. Then, click on the Select File or Select Folder option to select the file.
3. Then, browse and select the PST file from your local drive.
4. Now, preview all details and file in a tree-like structure.
5. Then, browse or select the required mailbox folders for conversion.
6. Here, from the drop-down list, choose MBOX file format to save.
7. Then, select the optional feature of the software that you require.
8. Next, browse a location on your local system where you want to save a resultant file.
9. Finally, click on the Convert button.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have gone through the suitable reasons for PST to MBOX conversion. Next, we talked about the best methods to convert PST to MBOX with attachments. Although a manual solution is available, it is not very effective and has limitations. That is why a professional tool is a better option. The software provides users with the feature to convert multiple MBOX files into PST, EML, MSG, and other 15+ file formats.

About The Author:

Eva Shirley

Eva Shirley is a skilled technical content writer with expertise in creating engaging and informative content. With over 5 years of experience and a passion for writing, she has solved many users' queries by providing quality content.

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